NRC in South Sudan

In the world's youngest state, a devastating conflict continues to displace millions.

Facts

A total of

647,722

people in need received our assistance in 2017.

Humanitarian overview

In 2011, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan, marking an end to Africa's longest-running civil war. Twoyears later, violent conflict broke out after political disagreement between President Salva Kiir and former Vice-President Riek Machar, and has since forced over four million people to flee their homes. More than two million have fled to neighbouring countries and about 1.9 million are internally displaced.

Despite a peace agreement signed by the warring parties in August 2015, the population in the world’s youngest state has yet to experience peace. Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the conflict.

In 2017, the UN declared famine in parts of South Sudan. Although humanitarian aid reversed famine, current food security levels are now much worse. The conflict has damaged the country’s economy, contributing to soaring inflation. As a consequence, food prices continue to rise. Many markets are closed, and farmers have been displaced from their land. 6.3 million people – nearly half the country’s population – are food insecure. These numbers are expected to rise.

People we helped in South Sudan in 2017

76,744

people benefited from our education programme

356,297

people benefited from our food security programme

142,866

people benefited from our shelter programme

9424

people benefited from our ICLA programme

120,828

people benefited from our WASH programme

NRC's operation

The civil war prevents humanitarian organisations, including NRC, from reaching out to the many people who need lifesaving assistance. South Sudan is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for humanitarian workers.

Our emergency teams on the ground deliver lifesaving aid. Our rapid response and mobile emergency interventions are one of our largest activities in South Sudan. We reach vulnerable people in remote areas that are difficult to access.

Education

Our education teams:

provide children with education opportunities and give catch-up classes to those who have missed school

provide youth with vocational training

give adults the opportunity to learn how to read and write through basic adult literacy programmes

Information, counselling and legal assistance (ICLA)

Our ICLA experts:

provide information and training sessions so that people can learn about and exercise their housing, land and property rights

help resolving conflicts over land to promote peaceful coexistence in communities

support women in obtaining access to land and tenure

help people obtaining their legal documents

Livelihoods and food security

We have food security projects in both conflict affected states as well as in the more stable areas. We also have emergency teams on the ground who deliver food to people in extreme need. Our teams:

distribute food in remote areas

provide cash assistance to people affected by displacement

hand out seeds

distribute vouchers for people to use at their local merchants

support people in getting a livelihood by giving trainings on agricultural production.

help farmers gain access to markets by repairing roads and organising agricultural fairs